Naked Sports with Cari Champion
The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts
NAKED SPORTS lives at the intersection of sports, politics, and culture. It is a niche groundbreaking interview-based show that dives deep into the lives of the game-changers who have helped shape our world. We explore how sports are interwoven not only into their personal lives; but the role they play in the global experience. NAKED SPORTS is hosted by Cari Champion, a trailblazing broadcast journalist and television personality renowned for her pioneering contributions to sports media for women.
In each episode, this distinguished host sits down with, a diverse array of athletes, politicians, and cultural innovators who have left an indelible mark on their fields. Through intimate, unfiltered conversations, the show reveals the raw and vulnerable sides of their journeys—peeling back the layers to explore the defining moments, personal struggles, and transformative experiences that live at the intersection of sports, culture, and politics.
These conversations are thematically linked to live at the intersection and on this new season of NAKED SPORTS, we begin with a six-part docu-series, The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese, in which Cari questions how this “rivalry” started. Does the necessity for success depend on a foil? In a time of divisiveness, are sports—more specifically the WNBA—a reflection of our country? Or will the greatness of two supernovas unite this country and heal race relations?
NAKED SPORTS guests will span varied backgrounds, providing diverse perspectives as we examine how sports play a crucial role in nearly every aspect of life.
Connect: @CARICHAMPION
In each episode, this distinguished host sits down with, a diverse array of athletes, politicians, and cultural innovators who have left an indelible mark on their fields. Through intimate, unfiltered conversations, the show reveals the raw and vulnerable sides of their journeys—peeling back the layers to explore the defining moments, personal struggles, and transformative experiences that live at the intersection of sports, culture, and politics.
These conversations are thematically linked to live at the intersection and on this new season of NAKED SPORTS, we begin with a six-part docu-series, The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese, in which Cari questions how this “rivalry” started. Does the necessity for success depend on a foil? In a time of divisiveness, are sports—more specifically the WNBA—a reflection of our country? Or will the greatness of two supernovas unite this country and heal race relations?
NAKED SPORTS guests will span varied backgrounds, providing diverse perspectives as we examine how sports play a crucial role in nearly every aspect of life.
Connect: @CARICHAMPION
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 9, 2025 • 43min
REPLAY - TAMRON HALL - Behind The Scenes
The conversation delves into the work ethic and upbringing of Tamron Hall, the challenges and assumptions surrounding motherhood, the importance of presentation in journalism, and the experiences of sexual harassment as a black woman. Hall shares stories; of motherhood, behind-the-scenes, and the writings of her true crime series as a cathartic experience. Connect: @CariChampion @TamronHall Read: Watch Where They Hide Watch: TamronHallShow.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 2, 2025 • 48min
The Magic Of Television With Jesse Collins
This week on the podcast we are joined by legendary producer Jesse Collins! In this episode, Jesse keeps it real about his journey from radio to running major live events like the BET Awards and the Super Bowl halftime show. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from Ruthless Radio, reflects on the cultural impact of BET’s Teen Summit, and talks about the power of representation in media. With plenty of insights on staying creative, serving your audience, and building a lasting career in Hollywood, this convo is packed with gems—plus a sneak peek at what’s coming up at the next BET Awards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 26, 2025 • 56min
The Courage to Heal: Talking Therapy, Trauma & Support with Jason Prinzo
In this episode of Naked Sports, Cari Champion chats with Jason Prenzo for a real, unfiltered talk about mental health—the highs, the lows. They get into the tough stuff: childhood trauma, the stigma that still surrounds mental health (especially for men), and why it’s so hard for some people to open up. Jason opens up about his personal journey, sharing what it's really like to struggle with anxiety and the role self-awareness plays in healing. They talk about therapy, coping strategies, the pros and cons of medication and psychedelics, and how important it is to find a support system that actually gets it. From unpacking identity struggles to tackling toxic masculinity and the pressure to “keep it together,” this episode is all about keeping the conversation around mental health honest, compassionate, and judgment-free. If you're looking for a deep, powerful, and relatable mental health podcast, you won’t want to miss this one. Connect @CariChampion @JasonPrinzo Learn More: jasonprinzo.com/ Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 19, 2025 • 1h 15min
REPLAY: Building A Billion Dollar Brand with Fawn Weaver
Weaver, the CEO and founder of Uncle Nearest Whiskey, shares her journey of uncovering the legacy of Nearest Green, the first known African American master distiller. She discusses the historical significance of the relationship between Nearest Green and Jack Daniel, the impact of Prohibition on the whiskey industry, and the importance of honoring African American contributions to distilling. Fawn also highlights her efforts to revive Nearest's legacy through her brand, which has become one of the most awarded bourbons in the world. We also gain insight into the journey of building the Uncle Nearest brand, highlighting the challenges faced in a predominantly white industry with centuries of business and multi-generations of operation. Weaver emphasizes the need for a broader definition of culture, the power of storytelling, and the mindset to overcome entrepreneurship challenges needed to build a legacy. Connect: @CariChampion @FawnWeaver Subscribe: Naked Sports with Cari Champion on YouTube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 12, 2025 • 46min
What's Next: Angel McCoughtry
In this episode of Naked Sports, host Cari Champion sits down with WNBA icon Angel McCoughtry to talk about life after the league, her journey into filmmaking and music, and her fight to elevate women’s basketball. From being the #1 overall draft pick to creating space for new generations of athletes, Angel shares raw insights on perseverance, purpose, and the power of reinvention. Connect @CariChampion @McCoughtry Learn More: angelmccoughtry.com/ Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 5, 2025 • 53min
Living In Wisdom with Devi Brown
Devi Brown — a true force in the wellness space — joins Naked Sports to talk about what it means to take care of yourself in a world that never seems to slow down. We get into her journey, how she found her way to healing, what it means to be a calming presence in chaotic times, and how every chapter of life, even the messy ones, shapes us into who we’re becoming. Focusing on self-care, growth, and showing yourself grace — because in today’s world of go-go-go, being still might be the most powerful move you can make. We also learn about Devi’s new book, Living Wisdom, and her reasoning and process for bringing it to life. Connect @CariChampion @DeviBrown Learn More: DeviBrown.com Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 28, 2025 • 50min
REPLAY: Darren Waller - From Football to Freedom
Darren Waller a former NFL athlete, shares his journey of self-discovery, addiction, and recovery with us in this episode. He discusses the duality of his identity and some of the challenges he faced while navigating life as a professional athlete. Waller's candid reflections on his struggles with addiction and the path to recovery highlight the importance of self-acceptance and finding purpose beyond sports. Waller shares his vulnerable experience of an overdose, the subsequent realization of his addiction, the transformative power of music, and his commitment to finding a deeper purpose in his life moving forward. Listen to the NEW EP: Internal Warfare: This Too Shall Pass Connect: @CariChampion @RakkWall Learn More: DarrenWaller.Org Subscribe: Naked Sports with Cari Champion on YouTube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 21, 2025 • 42min
Flipping The Hood with Malik Yoba
On this episode, Cari sits down with the one and only Malik Yoba. They talk about where they’ve been, where they’re going, and what it really takes to move with kindness in industries that don’t always reward it. Malik opens up about his journey, from the spotlight to behind the scenes, and we reflect on the power of cultural influence, the pressure of public perception, and the responsibility that comes with using your voice for something bigger. Cari and Malik also get into the myths around celebrity, ambition, and how staying grounded is its own kind of success. Shifting gears into identity in the digital age, how the words we use and the way we’re seen shape so much of our reality. Vulnerability, intention, humanity. It all matters. And just when you think we’ve covered it all, Malik expounds on his Flipping the Hood initiative — a powerful push to empower communities through real estate and financial literacy. Connect @CariChampion @MalikYoba Learn More: Yoba Development Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 14, 2025 • 56min
What's Going On, In This World Of Sports with Jemele Hill
When Jemele Hill and Cari Champion get together, it always makes for a great conversation and a worthy episode! We kick things off with the state of women’s basketball: where it’s thriving, where it needs support, and why players like Paige Beckers and Caitlin Clark are changing the game, even as they battle injuries and media hype. Because let’s be honest, rivalries make the story, but so does real representation. Then we zoom out: NBA coaching shakeups, headline-grabbing trades, and, of course, the drama between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James. We talk about what it all really means and how it reflects on the game and the culture. Then, Jemele and Cari get into the ethics of sports journalism. The pressure to be first vs. the responsibility to get it right. Discretion, fan culture, and how the media landscape is shifting under our feet. This episode is a whole masterclass on how sports and storytelling keep evolving…whether the world is ready or not. Connect @CariChampion @JemeleHill Learn More: Jemele Hill Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 7, 2025 • 34min
Show Up and Stand Up with Cari Champion
In this episode, Cari shines a light on Senator Cory Booker’s powerful, history-making speech, not just for what he said but also for what it means in the bigger fight for civil rights and justice. It’s a reminder that the work isn’t done. And with the Women’s Final Four on the horizon, of course, Cari had to talk about where women’s basketball is right now: the growth, the challenges, and the energy that’s building. These athletes are doing more than showing up — they’re showing out. This one’s about purpose. About standing up, speaking out, and showing love to the people — especially the women who’ve been putting in the work. Connect @CariChampion Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
